Erik ten Hag informs Harry Maguire he can leave Manchester United
Erik ten Hag has communicated to Harry Maguire that it would be better for all involved if he were to complete a transfer away from Manchester United this summer, 90min understands.
Maguire, the now former United captain, that he had been stripped of the armband in a conversation with the manager, who outlined his reasons why in a meeting between the two. But it has been learned that there was more to the meeting than Maguire had publicly let on – with his departure not only green-lit, but encouraged.
Bruno Fernandes is expected to succeed Maguire as captain but there has been no official confirmation as yet.
Ten Hag transitioned Maguire out of his first choice United eleven over the course of last season and Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and even Luke Shaw have been established higher up in the pecking order of United centre backs in recent months. Maguire retained the armband when on the pitch throughout last season though saw minutes hard to come by.
United have put Maguire up for sale for the right price throughout the summer, but Maguire has been keen to stay and fight for his place in the squad. The latest conversation between Maguire and Ten Hag, it has been learned, is a move from the club to guide the 30-year-old through the exit door – in hope it will change Maguire’s stance of wanting to stay.
The England international has interest from a number of clubs in Italy, as well as West Ham and Newcastle United, though his world record transfer fee for a defender and large earnings make the player difficult to offload.
United are aware that a loan deal is more likely because of the wage packet and any transfer away is likely to mean United will need to subsidise a part of the figure until the end of his contract in 2025.
Source: 90mins
